The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings across large swathes of the UK over Easter, in what may be a disappointment for many hoping to enjoy the bank holiday weekend.
The warnings for wind are in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England on Saturday and Sunday, with peak gusts of 80 to 90mph possible in certain exposed areas.
The Met Office warned that a spell of “very strong winds” would sweep across north-western parts of the UK on Saturday from 6pm, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday.
Described by the forecaster as a “rapidly deepening area of low pressure”, the exact intensity remains uncertain. Peak gusts of 50 to 60mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60 to 70mph in more exposed locations, the Met Office predicted.
There is a slight chance of some very strong winds across parts of Scotland, particularly in the West, where gusts of 80 to 90mph may be possible in exposed areas for a time.
The strong winds could cause some damage and travel disruption, with a “slight chance” of power cuts and an impact on mobile phone coverage.
While the winds are set to gradually ease throughout Easter Sunday, a second wind warning remains in place across the Orkney and Shetland Islands until the end of Sunday. The Met Office warned that the islands could see peak gusts of 60 to 70mph, with a slight chance of 75 to 85mph in some exposed areas for a time.
More generally, the United Kingdom can expect unsettled weather over the bank holiday, with spells of strong winds and rain moving across the country. Further south, there could be some drier and brighter interludes.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Steven Keates, said: “As we head into Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the weather is expected to turn more unsettled, with spells of rain at times, some of which could be heavy. This will be followed by sunny spells and showers, with the driest conditions likely towards the southeast of the UK.
“It is also likely to become windy at times across all areas, particularly in exposed north-western locations. While there remains some uncertainty in the detail at this point in time, there is a strong signal for wet and windy conditions to continue into the Easter weekend.”
Temperatures will remain variable across the weekend, peaking at 14C across the South on Saturday, while cooler temperatures in the single digits are expected further north.
Met Office weather forecast for the week ahead
Wednesday
A band of wind and rain across north-west Scotland will gradually move south-eastwards today, perhaps reaching northern England and north Wales by evening. Ahead of this, any early fog clearing but a cloudier day overall than Tuesday.
Overnight
The band of rain will continue moving south-eastwards, but gradually petering out. Dry with clear spells either side of this with a widespread frost developing across the North.
Thursday
Cloudy with patchy drizzle at first in the far South East. Otherwise dry with some sunny spells, although rain arriving into the North West later. Temperatures near average for early April.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Rather unsettled for the Easter weekend with spells of strong winds and rain moving across the country. Some drier and brighter interludes developing, especially across the South East.
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